### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zâqên**, represented by `{{H2204}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to be old**. It appears 27 times in 26 unique verses in the Bible. It primarily describes the state of being advanced in age, whether referring to a person or, metaphorically, an object like a tree root.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2204}}` is used to mark significant life stages and transitions. It describes the advanced age of patriarchs like Abraham [[Genesis 24:1]] and Isaac, whose eyes "were dim" when he was **old** [[Genesis 27:1]]. The word is also tied to human frailty and the end of life, as seen with Eli, who was an **old** man when he died [[1 Samuel 4:18]], and King David, who "was **old** and stricken in years" and could not get warm [[1 Kings 1:1]]. The term also signifies a time of succession, as when Samuel was **old**, he appointed his sons as judges [[1 Samuel 8:1]]. It is used metaphorically as well, such as when a tree's root waxes **old** in the earth [[Job 14:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of age and the life cycle:
* `{{H2205}}` **zâqên** (old; aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator.): This is the adjectival form often translated as "elder." It denotes not just age but the authority and leadership that comes with it, such as the **elders** of Israel who accompanied Moses [[Exodus 3:18]].
* `{{H7867}}` **sîyb** (to grow gray): This primitive root describes the physical manifestation of aging. Samuel uses it in parallel with being old, stating, "I am old `{{H2204}}` and **grayheaded**" [[1 Samuel 12:2]].
* `{{H5271}}` **nâʻûwr** (youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)): This word represents the beginning of the life cycle, standing in contrast to old age. Samuel recounts his service from his **childhood** until he became old [[1 Samuel 12:2]].
* `{{H3117}}` **yôwm** (age...life...time): While its primary meaning is "day," this word is frequently used to mean a lifetime or an era. It is often paired with being old, as in David being "old and full of **days**" [[1 Chronicles 23:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2204}}` is revealed in its context within the biblical narrative:
* **Fulfillment of Divine Promise:** Old age is often the backdrop against which God's promises are miraculously fulfilled, demonstrating that His power is not limited by human aging. Sarah was **old** when promised a son [[Genesis 18:13]], and Abraham was **old** when the Lord had blessed him in all things [[Genesis 24:1]].
* **Testimony of God's Faithfulness:** A long life provides a platform to testify to God's enduring character. The Psalmist reflects, "I have been young, and now am **old**; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken" [[Psalms 37:25]].
* **Wisdom and Life-long Discipline:** The state of being old is presented as the result of lifelong habits. The principle to "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is **old**, he will not depart from it" shows old age as the fruit of early training [[Proverbs 22:6]].
* **Transition and Legacy:** The word often marks a pivotal moment of transition in leadership for God's people. Joshua [[Joshua 23:2]], Samuel [[1 Samuel 8:5]], and David [[1 Chronicles 23:1]] are all described as **old** as they prepare for the next generation of leadership.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2204}}` is more than a simple descriptor of advanced age. It is a key biblical marker for understanding human frailty, the fulfillment of divine promises, and the importance of lifelong faithfulness. From the patriarchs to the kings, being **old** signifies a time of reflection, succession, and testifying to the unwavering hand of God throughout a lifetime. It illustrates the full journey of life as a stage for God's work.
TRV